Staff Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Turbine Engine Integration)

Anduril Industries; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 292,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Competitive benefits

Top-tier compensation

Job summary

Anduril Industries is seeking a seasoned Propulsion Engineer to lead the selection, integration, and testing of aircraft engines for unmanned vehicles. You will design, prototype, and validate propulsion components, plan rigorous tests, and collaborate with vendors to deliver high-performance systems.

The role requires deep propulsion experience, CAD proficiency, and the ability to work across complex subsystems while ensuring compliance with security and program milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
• 12+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned).
• Experience with jet engines in the 250-20,000 lbf thrust class.
• Experience leading propulsion system integration into air vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to selection, architecture, and integration of aircraft engines and components on UAVs.
• Design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems.
• Plan, instrument, and execute propulsion system tests.
• Coordinate with engine vendors and manage development projects.
• Lead hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
• Support CAD design for inlet/exhaust shaping and structures.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

System integration

CAD design

Jet engine testing

Thermodynamic cycles

Engineering leadership

Test planning

Manufacturing processes

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

NX / Teamcenter

Python

MATLAB

IADs

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting‑edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

About The Team

The Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and across missile platforms. Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from concept generation, to integration and flight test, ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a lead or key contributor in the selection, architecting, and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and engine controls on unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
• Design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems.
• Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems.
• Coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects.
• Lead or support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
• Critical member of team supporting CAD design for inlet / exhaust shaping, surfaces and structures.
• Travel to test sites as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
• 12+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned).
• Professional experience with jet engines in the 250-20,000 lbf thrust class.
• Experience leading the integration of propulsion systems into air vehicles; acting as the technical authority for major subsystems.
• Experience utilizing, customizing, or tailoring thermodynamic engine cycle decks to perform installed engine performance predictions.
• Experience defining comprehensive propulsion test programs and troubleshooting anomalies.
• Experience designing mechanical parts and surface loft (CAD) with the ability to perform design reviews and provide detailed technical feedback to other engineers.
• Understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.).
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NX / Teamcenter, Python, MATLAB, IADs.
• Hands‑on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.
• Previous work experience at a jet engine OEM or supplier, with a deep understanding of engine performance trade‑offs.
• Knowledge and experience working with FADEC, Engine Management Systems (EMS), or equivalent aircraft engine control systems.
• Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols.
• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

US Salary Range

$220,000—$292,000 USD

Benefits

• The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package.
• Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
• At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.